The year is about to end, and the festivities are fast approaching. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. This also means yellow and orange colored leaves are about to get icy. As a reference to the ‘Game of Thrones’ series, “Winter is coming.” So, better prepare your yard because plants will most likely get dormant over this season.
Fall may come to its close, and it may seem like there is nothing much that’s happening in your lawn. However, your soil is actually experiencing a lot down there before it completely freezes. Newly planted flowers, shrubs, and bulbs are susceptible to this season since they need to develop their roots. Read on to know a few things you can do to fix your yard before the cold season.
Cut your perennials
It is better to cut back on your perennials before the winter comes. Moreover, it is best when perennials are cut during the spring because it will provide winter protection and hinder premature plant growth. Perennials, both weak and healthy, can be cut at a soil level. However, vulnerable perennials are best to reduce during fall, while healthier ones can be done during spring. You might think that it can harm the plant, but it’s the other way around. By fall, perennials will most likely transfer their nutrients to the roots.
Mulch perennials
Every plant is unique in its way, and each of them handles the cold differently. Figure out first which plants need more effort to prepare for winter. Using mulch as a protective layer for your perennials is better, especially in the winter. Cover the soil with mulch along with compost, dry leaves, straw, wood chips, cardboard, shredded bark, grass clippings, or newspapers 4 to 6 inches around the plants. Remove the mulch when spring arrives and brings warmer temperature. If not, remove it after the last frost in your area has passed.
It is also important to take note not to put mulch early. Laying it too soon will invite mice and other animals to your lawn. It’s better to put a protective mulch when it gets a little colder. By that time, mice and animals have surely found another home.
Clean your lawn
It is also vital to clean your lawn of all dead foliage. If you have plants that have died of diseases, pull them out and throw them in the garbage. DO NOT mix these dead plants into your compost. However, you can use leaves, stems, and spent flowers that have died in natural causes. Remove also slimy leaves so that it won’t bring diseases to your plants.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs
If you are planning on seeing flowers blooming during spring, it is the best time for you to plant spring-flowering bulbs before winter starts. Bulbs such as daffodil, tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, and even garlic can be planted during the fall. Take note that each plant should be planted at a depth thrice as tall as the height of the bulb. Naturally, bulbs don’t need that much water to survive. So if you’re worrying if it is getting the moisture it needs, don’t be. However, it is also useful if you water them since watered soil takes much effort for animals to dig up.
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